Junction and system for transporting sample racks

ABSTRACT

A junction for transporting sample racks in an analytical system having one or more work cells for processing samples are disclosed. In one embodiment, the junction may include a main transport line, a turntable having a rotatable transport line, and one or more bypass transport lines. The main transport line can transport first sample racks and second sample racks having different sizes via the turntable. The turntable further comprises a recess for diverting second sample racks from the main transport line to the bypass transport line or vice versa when rotated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of US Pat. Pub.2012/0301358A1 (U.S. application Ser. No. 13/302,160), filed Nov. 22,2011, which claims priority to European Patent Application No.EP10192169.0, filed Nov. 23, 2010, which is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of automatedanalytical sample processing and, in particular, to junctions, devicesand processes for transporting sample racks holding sample vessels in asystem comprising one or more work cells for processing samples.

Automated instruments can be used for analyzing samples with respect tovarious clinical-chemical and immunochemical analysis items. Theinstruments may include more than one work cell for performingprocessing steps. Each of the processing steps can be related to variouskinds of analytical methods, and pre-analytical and/or post-analyticalprocessing steps for preparing sample analysis and storing the samples(e.g., for further processing at a later stage).

In the course of automated sample processing, samples or aliquotsthereof can be transported from one work cell to another so thatindividual portions can be withdrawn and/or various fluids such as, forexample, reagents, diluents and buffers can be added to the samples. Inautomated instruments, vessels containing the samples can be transportedvia sample racks holding the vessels. Specifically, one rack can holdone vessel (single holder) or a plurality of vessels (multiple holders)serially arranged with respect to each other. In automated instruments,a dedicated transporting device can be used for transporting the sampleracks between the various work cells. Examples of such transportingdevices are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,829 B1 and European PatentApplication No. 1460431 A2.

The use of a single rack format (rack size) in the analytical instrumentmay be limited because different work cells may require different rackformats. Different rack formats may require time consuming and expensivereformatting operations in advance to their use.

Accordingly, alternative devices for transporting sample racks ofdifferent formats between various work cells in an analytical instrumentmay be desired.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a junction for transporting sample racks in ananalytical system having one or more work cells for processing samplesmay include multiple main transport lines, a turntable and one or morebypass transport lines. The multiple main transport lines can transportfirst sample racks and second sample racks. The first sample racks canhave a bigger rack size than the second sample racks with respect totransporting directions of the main transport lines. The turntable mayinclude at least one rotatable transport line that transports the firstsample racks and the second sample racks. The turntable can be coupledto the main transport lines. The rotatable transport line canalternately connect to one or more of the main transport lines. Each ofthe one or more bypass transport lines can interconnect two of the maintransport lines and bypass the turntable. Each of the bypass transportlines can be curved such that transport of the second sample racksthrough each of the bypass transport lines is enabled and transport ofthe first sample racks through each of the bypass transport lines isdisabled. The bypass transport lines can be operably coupled to at leastone controllable main/bypass line switch that guides the second sampleracks from one of the main transport lines to one of the bypasstransport lines or keeps the second sample racks on one of the maintransport lines.

In another embodiment the junction may include at least one maintransport line, at least one turntable and at least one bypass linecoupled to the main transport line. The bypass line can be connected toanother main transport line or to an auxiliary transport line. The atleast one turntable can comprise a rotatable transport line that allowstransport of the first sample racks and/or the second sample racks whenaligned with the main transport line and at least one recess that can bealigned with the main transport line upon rotation of the turntable forreceiving a second sample rack and can divert the second sample rackfrom the main transport line to the bypass transport line when theturntable rotates in the direction of the bypass transport line or viceversa.

In another embodiment, an analytical system may include an automatedtransport device and a controller. The automated transport device cantransport first sample racks and second sample racks. The automatedtransport device may include one or more junctions, a turntable and oneor more bypass transport lines. Each of the junctions may includemultiple main transport lines that transport the first sample racks andthe second sample racks. The first sample racks can have a bigger racksize than the second sample racks with respect to transportingdirections of the main transport lines. The turntable may include atleast one rotatable transport line that transports the first sampleracks and the second sample racks. The turntable can be coupled to themain transport lines. The rotatable transport line can alternatelyconnect to one or more of the main transport lines. Each of the bypasstransport lines can interconnect two main transport lines and bypass theturntable. Each of the bypass transport lines can be curved such thatthe transport of the second sample racks through each of the bypasstransport lines is enabled and transport of the first sample racksthrough each of the bypass transport lines is disabled. The bypasstransport lines can be operably coupled to at least one controllablemain/bypass line switch that guides the second sample racks from one ofthe main transport lines to one of the bypass transport lines or keepsthe second sample racks on one of the main transport lines. Thecontroller can execute machine readable instructions to controltransport of the first sample racks and the second sample racks betweentwo of the main transport lines coupled to the junctions. The rotatabletransport line can be rotated to interconnect two or more of the maintransport lines. The first sample racks and the second sample racks canbe transported by the rotatable transport line. The rotatable transportline can be rotated to alternately connect one or more of the maintransport lines. The first sample racks can be transported by therotatable transport line and the second sample racks can be transportedby the bypass transport line that interconnects two or more of the maintransport lines.

In another embodiment, the controller can execute machine readableinstructions to control transport of the first sample racks and/or thesecond sample racks through the one or more junctions. In particular, aturntable can be rotated to align the rotatable transport line with themain transport line and allow transport of the first sample racks and/orthe second sample racks along the main transport line through theturntable. A turntable can be rotated to align the recess with the maintransport line to receive a second sample rack and to divert the secondsample rack from the main transport line to the bypass transport line orvice versa.

In yet another embodiment, an automated analytical system may includeone or more work cells for processing samples. A method for transportingfirst sample racks and second sample racks in the automated analyticalsystem may include transporting the first sample racks from a first maintransport line to a rotatable transport line. The first sample racks canhave a bigger rack size than the second sample racks with respect to atransporting direction. The rotatable transport line can be rotatedalternately to connect it to the first main transport line and a secondmain transport line. The first sample racks can be transported from therotatable transport line to the second main transport line. The secondsample racks can be transported from the first main transport line tothe second main transport line via a bypass transport line. The bypasstransport line can interconnect the first main transport line and thesecond main transport line, bypassing the rotatable transport line. Thebypass transport line can be curved such that transport of the secondsample racks through the bypass transport line is enabled and transportof the first sample racks through the bypass transport lines isdisabled.

A work cell can be operably coupled with a main transport line or anauxiliary transport line.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description describe various embodiments and areintended to provide an overview or framework for understanding thenature and character of the claimed subject matter. The accompanyingdrawings are included to provide a further understanding of the variousembodiments, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of thisspecification. The drawings illustrate the various embodiments describedherein, and together with the description serve to explain theprinciples and operations of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically depicts a top view of a system for processingsamples according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 2 schematically depicts a top view of a junction of the system ofFIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIGS. 3-5 schematically depict top views of sample racks in transitusing a junction according to one or more embodiments shown anddescribed herein;

FIG. 6 schematically depicts a top view of a first work cell of thesystem of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments shown anddescribed herein;

FIG. 7 schematically depicts a top view of a second work cell of thesystem of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments shown anddescribed herein; and

FIGS. 8-10 depict perspective views of a junction in an embodimentsimilar to that of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “samples” includes liquid fluids or drysubstances in which one or more analytes of interest can be present. Insome embodiments, the samples are chemical fluids, which can be subjectto one or more chemical analyses and assays such as, but not limited to,drug interaction screening, environmental analysis and identification oforganic substances. In some embodiments, the samples can be biologicalfluids such as body fluids, which include, but are not limited to,blood, serum, urine, saliva and cerebrospinal fluid, which can besubject to one or more analyses and assays in medical and pharmaceuticalresearch and clinical diagnosis.

According to one embodiment, a junction for transporting sample racks inan analytical system may comprise one or more work cells for processingsamples. The junction may include plural main transport lines fortransporting first and second sample racks. The first sample racks canhave a bigger rack size than the second sample racks with respect to atransporting direction of each of the main transport lines. In someembodiments, each of the first sample racks holds plural sample vesselssuch as, for example, two, three, four, five or more sample vessels,while each of the second sample racks can be limited to holding only onesample vessel.

The junction may further comprise a turntable. The turntable can beprovided with at least one rotatable transport line for transporting thefirst and second sample racks. In the junction, the at least onerotatable transport line can be coupled to the main transport lines.Accordingly, the rotatable transport line can be alternately connectedto the main transport lines and/or interconnected with at least two maintransport lines. According to an embodiment the junction can be used inconnection with at least one main transport line, where the rotatabletransport line can be coupled by alignment with the main transport lineor decoupled from the main transport line upon rotation.

The junction may further comprise one or more bypass transport lines.Each of the one or more bypass transport lines can interconnect two maintransport lines to bypass the turntable and can be curved in a manner toenable transport of the second sample racks and disable transport of thefirst sample racks. Otherwise, each bypass transport line can beoperably coupled with at least one controllable main/bypass line switch.Each controllable main/bypass line switch can guide the second sampleracks from one main transport line to the bypass transport line or keepthe second sample racks on the main transport line. For example, thecontrollable main/bypass line switch may include a servo-mechanismoperably coupled to a controller that automatically actuates thecontrollable main/bypass line switch. In some embodiments, the junctioncomprises one or more bypass transport lines which are arranged adjacentto the turntable. In some embodiments, each bypass transport line caninterconnect adjacent main transport lines.

According to an embodiment, the bypass transport line can be connectedto an auxiliary transport line. The auxiliary transport line can beconnected to the same main transport line on the other side of theturntable directly or via another bypass transport line such as tobypass the turntable. According to an embodiment, the auxiliarytransport line can bypass more than one turntable. The turntable myfurther comprise at least one recess that can be aligned with the maintransport line upon rotation of the turntable for receiving a secondsample rack and diverting the second sample rack from the main transportline to the bypass transport line or vice versa. Thus, the turntablecomprising the recess can act itself as a main/bypass switch.

A switch for changing the direction of transport of sample racks in ananalytical system is herein also disclosed, the switch comprising aturntable, the turntable comprising at least one rotatable transportline for transporting first and/or second sample racks along a maintransport line when aligned with the main transport line. The turntablefurther comprises a recess for receiving a second sample rack when theturntable is rotated such as to align the recess with the main transportline, and for diverting the second rack to a bypass transport line whenthe turntable is rotated in the direction of the bypass transport line.

According to the embodiments described herein, each of the transportlines can be configured for transporting the samples racks in onetransport direction (one-way) or in both transport directions(both-way).

In some embodiments, the junction may comprise paired main transportlines. Each pair can be configured for transporting the first and secondsample racks in opposite transport directions. Specifically, one maintransport line can be configured for transporting the sample racks inone transport direction. The second main transport line can beconfigured for transporting the sample racks in the other transportdirection. In some embodiments, the main transport lines of each pair ofmain transport lines can be configured for transporting the sample racksin both transport directions.

In some embodiments, each of one or more pairs of the main transportlines can be interconnected by at least one interconnection transportline. The interconnection transport line can be operably coupled with atleast one controllable main/main line switch. Each of the at least onecontrollable main/main line switch can guide the second sample racksfrom one main transport line to the interconnection transport line orkeep the first and second sample racks on one main transport line.

In some embodiments, the bypass and interconnection transport lines canform a looped path of travel around the turntable.

In some embodiments, the turntable can be provided with one pair ofrotatable transport lines configured for transporting the first andsecond sample racks in opposite directions.

According to the embodiments described herein, an automated transportdevice for transporting sample racks in an analytical system cancomprise one or more work cells for processing samples. The transportdevice can include one or more junctions as is described above.

According to an embodiment, the automated sample rack transport devicecomprises an inlet junction and an outlet junction, the inlet junctioncomprising an inlet turntable with a recess to divert second sampleracks from the main transport line to an auxiliary line via an inletbypass transport line and the outlet junction comprising an outletturntable with a recess to divert second sample racks out of theauxiliary transport line, e.g. to the same or different main transportline. The transport device may further include a controller configuredto control transporting the sample racks between two main transportlines or between a main transport line and auxiliary line of onejunction according to machine readable instructions. For example, thecontroller can execute machine readable instructions to rotate therotatable transport line and interconnect the main transport lines,wherein the first and second sample racks are transported by therotatable transport line. Alternatively or additionally, the controllercan execute machine readable instructions to rotate the rotatabletransport line and alternately connect the main transport lines, whereinthe first sample racks are transported by the rotatable transport lineand the second sample racks are transported by the bypass transport lineinterconnecting the main transport lines.

In some embodiments, the transport device may comprise paired maintransport lines. Each of the main transport lines can be configured fortransporting the sample racks in opposite directions. The controller canbe configured to control the transport of the sample racks between themain transport lines of one pair of main transport lines. Specifically,the sample racks can be transported from one main transport line to therotatable transport line by rotating the at least one rotatabletransport line to connect with the other main transport line. The sampleracks can then be transported to the other main transport line.

Further embodiments of the transport device may include one or morepairs of the main transport lines. Each of the pairs of the maintransport lines can be interconnected by at least one interconnectiontransport line. The interconnection transport line can be operablecoupled with at least one controllable main/main line switch. The atleast one controllable main/main line switch can guide the second sampleracks from one main transport line to the interconnection transport lineto transport the second sample racks to another main transport line ofthe pair of main transport lines or keep the first and second sampleracks on one main transport line. For example, the at least onecontrollable main/main line switch may include a servo-mechanismoperably coupled to a controller that automatically actuates the atleast one controllable main/main line switch. Furthermore, thecontroller can be configured to control the transport of the secondsample racks between the main transport lines of one pair of maintransport lines by transporting the second sample racks by theinterconnection line.

Furthermore, the controller can be configured to control the transportof second sample racks between two main transport lines or between amain transport line and an auxiliary transport line via the recess byrotating the turntable.

In some embodiments of the transport device, one or more of the switchesare operatively coupled to a rack size sensor for sensing the racksizes. Furthermore, the controller can be configured to control thetransport of the first and second sample racks based at least in partupon the rack size sensor signals. For example, the rack size can bedetected by the rack size sensor and transformed into a racksize-specific sensor signal indicative of the detected rack size. Theswitches can then be operated based upon the rack-size specific sensorsignals. For example, one or more controllers can receive sensor signalsand automatically actuate any of the switches (e.g., controllablemain/main line switch or controllable main/bypass line switch) operablycoupled to the controller based upon the received sensor signals.

The controller can operate the automated diverting of second sampleracks between main transport lines or between a main transport line andan auxiliary line based upon the rack size specific sensor signals.

According to a yet another embodiment, an analytical system can compriseone or more work cells for processing samples. The work cells can berelated to analytical and, optionally, to pre-analytical and/orpost-analytical sample processing steps. Furthermore, the system caninclude an automated transport device as is described above.

In some embodiments, a system may include first and/or second workcells. Each of the first work cells can be operably connected with oneauxiliary transport line that is connected to one main transport linefor processing samples transported by the auxiliary transport line. Eachof the second work cells can be operably connected with at least onemain transport line for processing samples transported by the maintransport line. In some embodiments, the each of the first work cells isin parallel alignment with one auxiliary transport line. In someembodiments, the work cell can be a storage or buffer module and/or theauxiliary transport line can be a buffer module for temporarily stockingsecond sample racks, without necessarily being connected to a work cell.

According to a yet another embodiment, an automated analytical systemfor transporting first and second sample racks may comprise one or morework cells for processing samples. The first sample racks can have abigger rack size than the second sample racks with respect to atransporting direction. A method for transporting the first and secondsample racks in the automated analytical system may include transportingthe first sample racks from one main transport line to another maintransport line by rotating at least one rotatable transport line in amanner that alternately connects the transport line to the maintransport lines. The second sample racks can be transported from the onemain transport line to the other main transport line via a bypasstransport line. The bypass transport line can interconnect the maintransport lines to bypass the rotatable transport line. The bypasstransport line can be curved to enable transport of the second sampleracks and disable transport of the first sample racks.

In some embodiments, the first and second sample racks can betransported from one main transport line to another main transport line.The main transport lines can be configured for transporting the sampleracks in opposite directions by rotating the at least one rotatabletransport line and transporting the sample racks by the rotatabletransport line. Specifically, the sample racks can be transported fromone main transport line to the rotatable transport line. Then, the atleast one rotatable transport line can be rotated to connect the atleast one rotatable transport line to the other main transport line.Once connected, the sample racks can be transported to the other maintransport line. For example, the at least one rotatable transport linemay include a driving means and/or a rotating means operably coupled toone or more controllers. Accordingly, one or more controllers canexecute machine readable instructions to automatically cause the atleast one rotatable transport line to be actuated.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a system 1 comprising aplurality of work cells for processing samples is schematicallydepicted. The system 1 can comprise a plurality of analytical work cells2, 2′, which can be related to one or more kinds of various analyticalmethods for analyzing samples. The system can further comprise apre-analytical work cell 16 for performing one or more pre-analyticalsample processing steps and a post-analytical work cell 17 forperforming one or more post-analytical sample processing steps such assample storing for later further processing.

Referring collectively to FIGS. 1 and 2, the system 1 can include atransport device 3 (FIG. 1) comprising a first main transport line 8 anda second main transport line 9 for transporting first sample racks 4 andsecond sample racks 4′. The first main transport line 8 and the secondmain transport line 9 may include a driving means and/or a rotatingmeans operably coupled to one or more controllers. Accordingly, one ormore controllers can execute machine readable instructions toautomatically cause the first main transport line 8 and the second maintransport line 9 to be actuated. In some embodiments, the first sampleracks 4 and second sample racks 4′ can have a different rack format in agenerally horizontal plane. Specifically, the transport device 3 can beconfigured to transport both first and second sample racks 4, 4′. Thefirst sample racks 4 can be a first rack type having a relatively largerack size with respect to transport directions of the first maintransport line 8 and the second main transport line 9. The second sampleracks 4′ can be a second rack type having a relatively small rack sizecompared to the first rack type. Referring to FIG. 5, each of the sampleracks 4, 4′ can be provided with one or more sample vessels 5. Forexample, each of the first sample racks 4 can hold a larger number ofsample vessels 5 than the second sample racks 4′. In some embodiments,each of the first sample racks 4 can hold multiple sample vessels 5 suchas, but not limited to, five sample vessels 5 while each of the secondsample racks 4′ can be limited to holding only one sample vessel 5.

Referring collectively to FIGS. 1 and 2, the transport device 3 mayinclude multiple junctions 15 such as, but not limited to, two junctions15 for transporting the first sample racks 4 and the second sample racks4′ between the first main transport line 8 and the second main transportline 9. Each junction 15 can be coupled to multiple first main transportlines 8 and second main transport lines 9 for transporting first sampleracks 4 and second sample racks 4′. Moreover, any portion of thejunction 15 can be operably coupled to a controller and the controllercan automatically direct operations of the junction 15 by executingmachine readable instructions. Each of the first main transport lines 8and second main transport lines 9 can define a straight path of travel.The first sample racks 4 and second sample racks 4′ can move from onepoint to another without retracing any point of travel, when the firstmain transport line 8 and second main transport line 9 moves in a singledirection. In some embodiments, a first main transport line 8 and secondmain transport line 9 can be paired into a substantially parallel paths.Accordingly, each pair of main transport lines 7 can include a firstmain transport line 8 and a second main transport line 9 that areconfigured to transport the first sample racks 4 and second sample racks4′ in opposite transport directions. For example, each pair of maintransport lines 7 may include a first main transport line 8 configuredto transport the first sample racks 4 and second sample racks 4′ in onetransport direction (one-way) and a second main transport line 9configured to transport the first sample racks 4 and second sample racks4′ in another transport direction (one-way) opposite thereto.Alternatively, each of the first main transport line 8 and the secondmain transport line 9 can be configured to transport the first sampleracks 4 and second sample racks 4′ in opposite transport directions(both-way).

Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2, each junction 15 can comprise aturntable 6 provided with a pair of rotatable transport lines 10. Thepair of rotatable transport lines 10 may include a first rotatabletransport line 11 and second rotatable transport line 12 fortransporting the first sample racks 4 and second sample racks 4′ inopposite directions. Specifically, the first rotatable transport line 11can be configured to transport the first sample racks 4 and secondsample racks 4′ in one transport direction (one-way) and the secondrotatable transport line can be configured to transport the first sampleracks 4 and second sample racks 4′ in another transport direction(one-way) opposite thereto. Otherwise, each of the first rotatabletransport line 11 and the second rotatable transport line 12 can beconfigured to transport the first sample racks 4 and second sample racks4′ in opposite transport directions (both-way). For example, theturntable 6 may include a driving means and/or a rotating means operablycoupled to one or more controllers. Accordingly, one or more controllerscan execute machine readable instructions to automatically cause theturntable 6 to be actuated.

The first rotatable transport line 11 and the second rotatable transportline 12 can be coupled to multiple pairs of main transport lines 7. Forexample, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, four pairs of maintransport lines 7. In some embodiments, neighboring pairs of maintransport lines 7 can be coupled to a turntable 6 and orthogonallyarranged with respect to each other. Specifically, in some embodiments,the junction 15 can be coupled to four pairs of main transport lines 7with each of the pairs of main transport lines 7 intersecting thejunction 15 about 90° from each other. It is noted that, while the pairsof main transport lines 7 are depicted as being offset about 90° inFIGS. 1 and 2, each junction 15 can be coupled to any number of pairs ofmain transport lines 7 arranged at any angle with respect to one anothersuch as symmetrically arranged or asymmetrically arranged.

Each pair of main transport lines 7 coupled to a turntable 6 can operateas a common transport path for transporting first sample racks 4 andsecond sample racks 4′ towards and away from the turntable 6.Specifically, in some embodiments, each junction 15 can be coupled to apair of main transport lines 7 comprising a first main transport line 8and a second main transport line 9. The first main transport line 8 canbe operated to transport first sample racks 4 and second sample racks 4′towards the turntable 6 and the second main transport line 9 can beoperated to transport first sample racks 4 and second sample racks 4′away from the turntable 6. In some embodiments, a first rotatabletransport line 11 of the pair of rotatable transport lines 10 can becoupled to a first main transport line 8 and operated to transport firstsample racks 4 and second sample racks 4′ in a same direction as thefirst main transport line 8. A second rotatable transport line 12 of thepair of rotatable transport lines 10 can be coupled to a second maintransport line 9 and operated to transport the first sample racks 4 andsecond sample racks 4′ in a same direction as the second main transportline 9.

The turntable 6 can be coupled to the pair of rotatable transport lines10. Accordingly, the pair of rotatable transport lines 10 can be rotatedto connect the first rotatable transport line 11 to any of the firstmain transport lines 8 adjacent to the turntable 6 and the secondrotatable transport line 12 can be rotated to connect to any of thesecond main transport lines 9 adjacent to the turntable 6. In someembodiments, pairs of main transport lines 7 can be aligned with oneanother and located adjacent to the turntable such that one pair ofrotatable transport lines 10 can connect two pairs of main transportlines 7. Specifically, the first main transport lines 8 can beinterconnected by the first rotatable transport line 11 and the secondmain transport lines 9 can be interconnected by the second rotatabletransport line 12.

Moreover, the pair of rotatable transport lines 10 can be rotated toconnect the first rotatable transport line 11 to the first maintransport line 8 of a pair of main transport lines 7 and the secondrotatable transport line 12 to the second main transport line 9 of apair of main transport lines 7, and can then be rotated by 180° toconnect the first rotatable transport line 11 to the second maintransport line 9 of the same pair of main transport lines 7 and thesecond rotatable transport line 12 to the first main transport line 8the same pair of main transport lines 7.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, one end of the firstmain transport line 8 and the second main transport lines of a pair ofmain transport lines 7 can be coupled to a turntable 6 and the other endthereof can be connected by a curved line portion 22. The curved lineportion 22 may include a driving means and/or a rotating means operablycoupled to one or more controllers. Accordingly, one or more controllerscan execute machine readable instructions to automatically cause thecurved line portion 22 to be actuated. Accordingly, the second sampleracks 4′ (FIG. 2) can be conveyed in opposite directions by transportingone-way. In some embodiments, the both ends of the first main transportline 8 and second main transport line 9 of one pair of main transportlines 7 can be connected to a turntable 6. Accordingly, both the firstsample racks 4 and second sample racks 4′ (FIG. 2) can be conveyed inopposite directions by transporting one-way.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the junction 15 can comprise one or morebypass transport lines 14 arranged adjacent to the turntable 6. Eachbypass transport line 14 may include a driving means and/or a rotatingmeans operably coupled to one or more controllers. Accordingly, one ormore controllers can execute machine readable instructions toautomatically cause each bypass transport line 14 to be actuated. It isnoted that, while the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2 includes four bypasstransport lines 14, the embodiments described herein may include anynumber of bypass transport lines 14. Each bypass transport line 14 canbe connected to two adjacent pairs of main transport lines 7 that arecoupled to a turntable 6. Specifically, each bypass transport line 14can interconnect the first main transport line 8 of one pair of maintransport lines 7 with the second main transport line 9 of an adjacentpair of main transport lines 7. In some embodiments, each bypasstransport line 14 can be curved to disable transport of the bigger sizedfirst sample racks 4 and exclusively transport the smaller sized secondsample racks 4′. Accordingly, in the junction 15, each bypass transportline 14 can be operated to transport the second sample racks 4′ from thefirst main transport line 8 of one pair of main transport lines 7 to thesecond main transport line 9 of an adjacent pair of main transport lines7.

In some embodiments, each bypass transport line 14 is operably coupledto one controllable main/bypass line switch 18 operable to guide thesecond sample racks 4′ from the first main transport line 8 of the onepair of main transport lines 7 to the bypass transport line 14 connectedthereto or to keep the second sample racks 4′ on the first maintransport line 8 for transport towards the turntable 6. While notdepicted in the figures, in some embodiments, the controllablemain/bypass line switch 18 can be operably coupled to a rack size sensorconfigured for sensing the rack sizes so as to obtain rack size-specificsensor signals. Control of the controllable main/bypass line switch 18can be based on the rack size-specific sensor signals. For example, thecontrollable main/bypass line switch 18 may include a servo-mechanismthat is operably coupled to a controller and the controller can actuatethe controllable main/bypass line switch 18 automatically by executingmachine readable instructions.

In some embodiments, the first main transport line 8 and second maintransport line 9 of one pair of main transport lines 7 can beinterconnected by an interconnection transport line 19 arranged adjacentto the turntable 6. The interconnection transport line 19 can beconfigured for transporting the second sample racks 4′. Eachinterconnection transport line 19 may include a driving means and/or arotating means operably coupled to one or more controllers. Accordingly,one or more controllers can execute machine readable instructions toautomatically cause each interconnection transport line 19 to beactuated. The interconnection transport line 19 can be operably coupledto a controllable main/main line switch 20 operable to guide the secondsample racks 4′ from the first main transport line 8 and/or second maintransport line 9 to the interconnection transport line 19 or to keep thefirst sample racks 4 and second sample racks 4′ on the first maintransport line 8 and/or second main transport line 9. For example, thecontrollable main/main line switch 20 may include a servo-mechanism thatis operably coupled to a controller and the controller can actuate thecontrollable main/main line switch 20 automatically by executing machinereadable instructions. While not depicted in the figures, in someembodiments, the controllable main/main line switch 20 can be operablycoupled to a rack size sensor configured for sensing the rack sizes soas to obtain rack size-specific sensor signals. Control of thecontrollable main/main line switch 20 can be based upon the racksize-specific sensor signals.

Referring still to FIG. 2, the first main transport line 8 and secondmain transport line 9 of each pair of main transport lines 7 can beinterconnected by bypass transport lines 14. Moreover, interconnectiontransport lines 19 can interconnect the first main transport lines 8 andsecond main transport lines 9 of each pair of main transport lines 7.Thus, the bypass transport lines 14 and interconnection transport lines19 can form a looped path of travel around the turntable 6. Accordingly,the second sample racks 4′ can be transported on a looped travel patharound the turntable 6 permitting the second sample racks 4′ to repeatthe path of travel as often as needed when moving in one-way.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the transport device 3 can include one ormore auxiliary transport lines 23. Each of the one or more auxiliarytransport lines 23 can be connected and provided in parallel alignmentto a first main transport line 8 and/or a second main transport line 9configured for transporting the second sample racks 4′ in one-way.Referring now to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, each auxiliary transportline 23 can be connected to the first main transport line 8 of one pairof main transport lines 7 so that second sample racks 4′ can betransported away from the turntable 6 (FIG. 1) by the auxiliarytransport line 23. In some embodiments, each auxiliary transport line 23can be operatively coupled to one controllable main/auxiliary lineswitch (not depicted in FIG. 6) operable to guide second sample racks 4′from the first main transport line 8 to the auxiliary transport line 23or to keep the second sample racks 4′ on the first main transport line8. From the auxiliary transport line 23, second sample racks 4′ can betransported back to the first main transport line 8.

In some embodiments, each auxiliary transport line 23 can be associatedwith one or more first analytical work cells 2. The first analyticalwork cells 2 can be related to processing steps that analyze samplescontained in the second sample racks 4′. Specifically, the firstanalytical work cells 2 can be used for processing samplessimultaneously with transporting the second sample racks 4′ through theauxiliary transport line 23 associated therewith. The first analyticalwork cells 2 can be configured to perform sample processing operationssuch as, but not limited to, pipetting operations by means of apipetting device 13 adapted for withdrawing sample portions, e.g., foranalysis thereof, and/or adding fluidic substances to the samples suchas diluents, buffers or any other similar substance. When transported bythe auxiliary transport line 23, second sample racks 4′ can have atransport speed smaller than a transport speed when transported by thefirst main transport line 8 connected thereto. In some embodiments,second samples racks 4′ conveyed by the auxiliary transport line 23 canalso be stopped for a predetermined time interval for performing sampleprocessing operations. While not illustrated, in some embodiments, thefirst analytical work cells 2 are related to processing steps configuredfor analyzing samples contained in either the first sample racks 4 (FIG.2) or the second sample racks 4′. Accordingly, the auxiliary transportlines 23 can be configured for transporting both the first sample racks4 (FIG. 2) and second sample racks 4′ in one-way and the controllablemain/auxiliary line switches (not illustrated) can be operable to guidethe first sample racks 4 (FIG. 2) and second sample racks 4′ from thefirst main transport line 8 to the auxiliary transport line 23 or tokeep the first sample racks 4 (FIG. 2) and second sample racks 4′ on thefirst main transport line 8.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the first main transport line 8 and second maintransport line 9 of one or more pairs of main transport lines 7 can beassociated with a second analytical work cell 2′. The second analyticalwork cells 2′ can be related to processing steps configured foranalyzing the samples transported by the first sample racks 4. Thesecond analytical work cell 2′ can be used for processing the samplessimultaneously with transporting the first sample racks 4 containing thesamples by the pair of main transport lines 7 associated therewith. Onepair of main transport lines 7 can be associated with one secondanalytical work cell 2′ and the first main transport line 8 and secondmain transport line 9 can be directed into the second analytical workcell 2′. Accordingly, first sample racks 4 can be transported in and outthe second analytical work cell 2′. While not depicted in FIG. 7, insome embodiments, the first analytical work cells 2 can be related toprocessing steps that analyze samples contained in the first sampleracks 4 and/or the second sample racks 4′.

FIGS. 8-10 depict an automated sample rack transport device 3′, which issimilar to the embodiment of FIG. 6, and comprises two junctions 15′,15″ arranged along a main transport line 8′ and an auxiliary transportline 23′ parallel to the main transport line 8′. The junctions 15′, 15″act as main/auxiliary line switches to divert second sample racks 4′from the main transport line 8′ to the auxiliary transport line 23′ andfrom the auxiliary transport line 23′ back to the main transport line 8′respectively. In particular, the automated sample rack transport device3′ comprises an inlet junction 15′ and an outlet junction 15″. The inletjunction 15′ comprises an inlet turntable 6′ to divert second sampleracks 4′ from the main transport line 8′ to the auxiliary line 23′ viaan inlet bypass transport line 14′ and the outlet junction 15″ comprisesan outlet turntable 6″ to divert second sample racks 4′ out of theauxiliary transport line 23′, via an outlet bypass line 14″, back to thesame main transport line 8′ after bypassing both turntables 6′, 6″. Morein particular, the inlet turntable 6′ comprises a rotatable transportline 11′ for transporting sample racks, both first sample racks 4 andsecond sample racks 4′ (only second sample racks 4′ are shown), alongthe main transport line 8′ when the rotatable transport line 11′ isaligned with the main transport line 8′ (FIG. 8). The inlet turntable 6′further comprises two recesses 24 for receiving a second sample rack 4′at a time when the inlet turntable 6′ is rotated such as to align one ofthe recesses 24 with the main transport line 8′ in a direction ofincoming second sample racks 4′ (FIG. 9), and for diverting the secondsample rack 4′ to the inlet bypass transport line 14′ when the turntable6′ is rotated in the direction of the inlet bypass transport line 14′(FIG. 10). The outlet turntable 6″ is structurally identical to theinlet turntable 6′ and also comprises a rotatable transport line 11″ andtwo recesses 24. The outlet turntable 6″ is however configured to rotatein the opposite direction compared to the inlet turntable so that arecess 24 can receive a second sample rack 4′ in the outlet bypass line14″ and divert it to the main transport line 8′.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the transport device 3 of the system 1 can bedriven by one or more driving means such as, but not limited to, a beltdrive. In some embodiments, individual transport lines are driven by aseparate driving means. In further embodiments, one or more transportlines are driven by a same driving means. In some embodiments, eachrotatable transport line can be rotated by one rotating means such as,but not limited to, an electrically driven rotor. As is described infurther detail herein, each of the driving means and/or the rotatingmeans can be operably coupled to a controller. Accordingly, one or morecontrollers can execute machine readable instructions to automaticallycause any of the transport lines to be actuated, as described herein.

The system 1 may further comprise a controller 21 operable toautomatically control sample processing by the first analytical workcells 2, the second analytical work cell 2′, the pre-analytical workcell 16, the post-analytical work cell 17, or combinations thereof. Thecontroller may also control transport of the first sample racks 4 andsecond sample racks 4′ via the transport device 3. The controller 21can, e.g., be embodied as programmable logic controller running acomputer-readable program electrically connected to the systemcomponents which require control and/or provide information whichinclude the first analytical work cells 2, the second analytical workcell 2′, the pre-analytical work cell 16, the post-analytical work cell17 and the transport device 3 (including the various transport lines andswitches). Specifically, in some embodiments, the controller 21 isconfigured to execute machine readable instructions to controlautomatically the various scenarios for transporting first sample racks4 and second sample racks 4′ by controlling automatically the junctions15, as schematically depicted in FIGS. 3 to 5. Accordingly, theembodiments described hereinafter can be implemented as machine readableinstructions that can be automatically executed by the controller 21.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the transport of first sample racks 4 andsecond sample racks 4′ via a junction 15 is schematically depicted. Thefirst sample racks 4 and second sample racks 4′ can be transported froma lower pair of main transport lines 7 to an upper pair of maintransport lines 7. The pair of rotatable transport lines 10 can berotated to interconnect the first main transport lines 8 and second maintransport lines 9 of one set of opposing pairs of main transport lines 7via the first rotatable transport line 11 and second rotatable transportlines 12, respectively. The first sample racks 4 and second sample racks4′ can then be transported passing the turntable 6 in a straight path oftravel (the path of the first sample racks 4 is generally indicated inFIG. 3 by dashed arrows and the path of the second sample racks 4′ isgenerally indicated in FIG. 3 by the dotted arrows). Accordingly, whenthe turntable 6 has been brought in a rotational position tointerconnect two opposing pairs of main transport lines 7, it is notrequired to further rotate the turntable 6 to transport the first sampleracks 4 and second sample racks 4′ from the one pair of main transportlines 7 to the other pair of main transport lines 7.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the transport of first sample racks 4 andsecond sample racks 4′ via a junction 15 is schematically depicted. Thefirst sample racks 4 and second sample racks 4′ can be transported froma lower pair of main transport lines 7 to the adjacent right pair ofmain transport lines 7. Accordingly, the transport direction of thefirst sample racks 4 and second sample racks 4′ can be directed to theright. Specifically, the turntable 6 can be rotated to alternatelyconnect to two pairs of main transport lines. For example, the turntable6 can be rotated to a first rotational position, where the firstrotatable transport line 11 and second rotatable transport line 12 areconnected to the first main transport line 8 and second main transportline 9 of the lower pair of main transport lines 7. One or more firstsample racks 4 can then be transported from the first main transportline 8 to the first rotatable transport line 11 and stopped on theturntable 6. The turntable 6 can then be rotated to a second rotationalposition that is a 90° turn to the right from the first rotationalposition, where the first rotatable transport line 11 and secondrotatable transport line 12 are connected to the first main transportline 8 and second main transport line 9 of the right pair of maintransport lines 7. The one or more first sample racks 4 can then betransported from the first rotatable transport line 11 to the first maintransport line 8 of the right pair of main transport lines 7. The pathof the first sample racks 4 is generally indicated in FIG. 4 by thedashed arrow. The second sample racks 4′, instead of being transportedby the turntable 6, can be transported via the bypass transport line 14that interconnects the first main transport lines 8 of the lower pair ofmain transport lines 7 and the pair of main transport lines 7(the pathof the second sample racks 4′ is generally indicated in FIG. 4 by thedotted arrow). Accordingly, the turntable 6 can be rotated to transportthe first sample racks 4 from one first main transport line 8 to anotherfirst main transport line 8, while the second sample racks 4′ can betransported via the bypass transport line 14.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the transport of first sample racks 4 andsecond sample racks 4′ via a junction 15 is schematically depicted. Thefirst sample racks 4 and second sample racks 4′ can be transported froma lower pair of main transport lines 7 to an adjacent left pair of maintransport lines 7. Accordingly, the transport direction of the firstsample racks 4 and the second sample racks 4′ can be changed to theleft. Thus, the turntable 6 can be rotated to alternately connect twopairs of main transport lines 7. Specifically, the turntable 6 can berotated to a first rotational position, where the first rotatabletransport line 11 and second rotatable transport line 12 are connectedto the first main transport line 8 and second main transport line 9 ofthe lower pair of main transport lines 7. One or more first sample racks4 can then be transported from the first main transport line 8 to thefirst rotatable transport line 11 and stopped on the turntable 6. Theturntable 6 can then be rotated to a third rotational position that is a90° turn to the left of the first rotational position, where the firstrotatable transport line 11 and second rotatable transport line 12 areconnected to the first main transport line 8 and second main transportline 9 of the left pair of main transport lines 7. The one or more firstsample racks 4 can then be transported from the first rotatabletransport line 11 to the second main transport line 9 of the left pairof main transport lines 7. The transport of the first sample racks 4 isgenerally indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 5. The turntable 6 canbe rotated to the first rotational position, where the first rotatabletransport line 11 and second rotatable transport line 12 interconnectthe first main transport lines 8 and second main transport lines 9 ofopposing upper and lower pairs of main transport lines 7, to transportthe second sample racks 4′. The second sample racks 4′ can then betransported from the first main transport line 8 of the lower pair ofmain transport lines 7 to the first main transport line 8 of the upperpair of main transport lines 7 in a straight path of travel through theturntable 6. The second sample racks 4′ can then be transported from thefirst main transport line 8 via the interconnection transport line 19 tothe second main transport line 9 of the upper pair of main transportlines 7. Then, the second sample racks 4′ can be transported from thesecond main transport line 9 of the upper pair of main transport lines 7to second main transport line 9 of the left pair of main transport lines7 via the bypass transport line 14 that interconnects the second maintransport line 9 of the upper pair of main transport lines 7 and thesecond main transport line 9 of the left pair of main transport lines 7(the path of the second sample racks 4′, described immediately above, isgenerally indicated in FIG. 5 by the dark dotted arrow). Instead ofbeing transported via the turntable 6, the second sample racks 4′canalso be transported using a combined path of travel that includes thebypass transport line 14 that interconnects the first main transportline 8 of the lower pair of main transport lines 7 and the first maintransport line 8 of the right pair of main transport lines 7, theinterconnection transport line 19 of the right pair of main transportlines 7, the bypass transport line 14 that interconnects the second maintransport line 9 of the right pair of main transport lines 7 and thefirst main transport line 8 of the upper pair of main transport lines 7,the interconnection transport line 19 of the upper pair of maintransport lines 7, and the bypass transport line 14 that interconnectsthe second main transport line 9 of the upper pair of main transportlines 7 and the second main transport line 9 of the left pair of maintransport lines 7(the path of the second sample racks 4′ that bypassesthe turntable is generally indicated in FIG. 5 by the lighter dottedarrow).

It is noted that, while specific scenarios are depicted in FIGS. 3-5,the turntable 6 can be rotated automatically by the controller 21 in anydirection and by any amount to transport first sample racks 4 and secondsample racks 4′. For example, the turntable 6 can be rotated to connectthe first rotatable transport lines 11 and second rotatable transportline 12 to the first main transport line 8 and second main transportline 9, respectively, of a pair of main transport lines 7. One or morefirst sample racks 4 and/or second sample racks 4′ can then betransported from the first main transport line 8 thereof to the firstrotatable transport line 11 and stopped on the turntable 6. Theturntable 6 can then be rotated to another rotational position by 180°,where the first rotatable transport line 11 is connected to the secondmain transport line 9 of the same pair of main transport lines 7 and thesecond rotatable transport line 12 is connected to the first maintransport line 8 of the same pair of main transport lines 7.Accordingly, the turntable can be utilized to transport the first sampleracks 4 and/or second sample racks 4′ between the first main transportline 8 and the second main transport line 9 of a pair of main transportlines 7. It is noted that the terms “first” and “second” are providedherein for clarity and not by way of limitation. Accordingly, operationsperformed by the “first” can alternatively or additionally be performedby the “second” without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Referring collectively to FIGS. 1 and 2, the system 1 can include atransport device 3 for the transport of first sample racks 4 and secondsample racks 4′ that have different rack formats. It is noted that,while first sample racks 4 are depicted as multiple holders(multi-vessel racks) and second sample racks 4′ are depicted as singleholders (one-vessel racks) in FIG. 2, the embodiments described hereinmay find favorable utility for transporting sample racks having variedsizes between any of the pre-analytical work cells 16, first analyticalwork cells 2, second analytical work cells 2′ and post-analytical workcells 17. The bypass transport lines 14 and the junctions 15 can be usedfor the transport of first sample racks 4 and second sample racks 4′.Specifically, when travelling along a straight path of travel, firstsample racks 4 and second sample racks 4′ can be transported on the samefirst main transport line 8 or second main transport line 9. If firstsample racks 4 and/or second sample racks 4′ have to turn to thedirection of the first main transport line 8, the junction 15 can beused. Specifically, the first sample racks 4 can be transported via theturntable 6 and the second sample racks 4′ can be transported via thebypass transport line 14, as described herein. Accordingly, the secondsample racks 4′ can be diverted before reaching the turntable 6 and canchange direction via the bypass transport line 14, which can be curvedand can connect with the second main transport line 9 coming from theturntable 6. When entering the second main transport line 9, either thefirst sample racks 4 or second sample racks 4′ can be held back to avoidsample rack collision. Transfer of the second sample racks 4′ via thebypass transport line 14 can be more efficient than via the turntable 6.For example, when two second sample racks 4′ are following a firstsample rack 4, the turntable 6 may require multiple operations totransport each of the second sample racks 4′. When first sample racks 4and/or second sample racks 4′ have to turn away from the first maintransport line 8, the junction 15 can be used. The first sample racks 4can be transported via the turntable 6 and the second sample racks 4′can pass the turntable 6 in a straight path of travel, and then can bepushed to the interconnection transport line 19 of another pair of maintransport lines 7 and the bypass transport line 14 can connect with thesecond main transport line 9 coming from the turntable 6. Alternatively,when the turntable 6 is occupied, the second sample racks 4′ can betransported around the turntable 6 instead of waiting until theturntable 6 is unoccupied.

In some embodiments, an identity of first sample racks 4 and/or secondsample racks 4′ can be read by means of a reader such as, but notlimited to, an RFID-reader when first sample racks 4 and/or secondsample racks 4′ approach a junction 15. Moreover, the reader can beoperably coupled to the controller 21. Accordingly, transport of firstsample racks 4 and/or second sample racks can be automated based uponrack type. For example, second sample racks 4′ can be transported bypassing the turntable 6 in a straight line of travel or via one or morebypass transport lines 14 bypassing the turntable 6.

In some embodiments, the second sample racks 4′ can be transported tothe auxiliary transport lines 23 for analysis by the first analyticalwork cells 2. The first analytical work cells 2 can, for example, berelated to a “pick-in-space” method for pipetting samples contained inthe second sample racks 4′. In some embodiments, before beingtransported to the pipetting position, an identity of the second sampleracks 4′ can be read by means of a reader such as, but not limited to,an RFID-reader to control pipetting of the samples contained. When inthe pipetting position, specific mechanical positioning means canposition the second sample racks 4′ appropriately to enable precisepipetting operations. When being configured for processing samplescontained in first sample racks 4, the first sample racks 4 holdingplural sample vessels 5 can be moved stepwise through the pipettingposition so that pipetting at every sample position in the first samplerack 4 can be performed.

In the system 1, a process flow can be implemented as machine readableinstructions that are executed by the controller 21. The process flowcan include pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical sampleprocessing steps can be based on various parameters such as, but notlimited to, assigned test requests, information about the vessel type,system status information and the like. Specifically, in thepre-analytical work cell 16, samples can be processed by conventionalprocessing operations such as centrifugation, de-capping, aliquoting andthe like. After finishing pre-analytical processing steps, samples canbe placed in sample vessels 5 of the first sample racks 4 and secondsample racks 4′. The first sample racks 4 and second sample racks 4′ canthen be transported to one or more of the first analytical work cells 2and second analytical work cells 2′ by the transport device 3, which caninclude multiple pairs of main transport lines 7. Each pair of maintransport lines 7 can include a first main transport line 8 and secondmain transport line 9 that run in opposite directions and aresubstantially parallel. In some embodiments, the transport device 3 canbe implemented as right-hand traffic system (i.e., racks keep to theright side of each pair of main transport lines). After analyzing thesamples, the first sample racks 4 and second sample racks 4′ can betransported to the post-analytical work cells 17, e.g., for storing thesamples for further processing or discharging.

In the system 1, the junctions 15 can allow for an efficient change oftransport direction of both first sample racks 4 and second sample racks4′ with relatively low space requirements. Moreover, the system 1 canoperate with first sample racks 4 and second sample racks 4′ havingdifferent rack sizes without having to reformat settings of the system 1to adapt to the different rack sizes. Accordingly, costs, time and spacefor reformatting the system 1 can be avoided. Accordingly theembodiments described herein can utilize the flexibility provided whensamples are transported in small-sized sample racks such single holdersand, at the same time, provide an efficient way for transportingbigger-sized sample racks, which can be targeted for specific workcells.

It should now be understood that the embodiments described herein relateto junctions for transporting sample racks throughout a system havingone or more work cells for processing samples. The system may includemultiple main transport lines for transporting first and second sampleracks. The first sample racks can have a bigger rack size than thesecond sample racks with respect to transporting directions of the maintransport lines. A turntable can be provided with at least one rotatabletransport line for transporting the sample racks. The rotatabletransport line can be coupled to the main transport lines andalternately connect the rotatable transport line to the main transportlines and/or to interconnect at least two main transport lines. Each ofone or more bypass transport lines can interconnect two main transportlines and bypass the turntable. Each bypass transport line can be curvedto enable transport of the second sample racks and disable transport ofthe first sample racks. Each bypass transport line can be associatedwith at least one controllable main/bypass line switch that is operableto guide the second sample racks from one main transport line to thebypass transport line or to keep the second sample racks on the maintransport line. The embodiments described herein further relate to asystem having an automated transport device that may include one or morejunctions. Further embodiments relate to a process for transporting thefirst and second sample racks. The process may include transporting thefirst sample racks from one main transport line to another maintransport line by rotating at least one rotatable transport line in amanner to alternately connect it to the main transport lines. The secondsample racks can be transported from the one main transport line toanother main transport line by a bypass transport line. The bypasstransport line interconnecting the main transport lines can bypass therotatable transport line and can be curved to enable transport of thesecond sample racks and disable transport of the first sample racks.

It is noted that the terms “substantially” and “about” may be utilizedherein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may beattributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or otherrepresentation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent thedegree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a statedreference without resulting in a change in the basic function of thesubject matter at issue.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the embodiments describedherein without departing from the spirit and the scope of the claimedsubject matter. Thus it is intended that the specification cover themodifications and variations of the various embodiments described hereinprovided such modifications and variations come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

We claim:
 1. An system comprising a switch for changing the direction oftransport of sample racks, the system further comprising: first and/orsecond sample racks; a main transport line that transports the firstand/or second sample racks; a turntable, the turntable comprising, atleast one rotatable transport line for transporting the first and/orsecond sample racks along the main transport line when aligned with themain transport line, wherein the first sample racks have a bigger racksize than the second sample racks with respect to transporting directionof the main transport line; a recess for receiving a second sample rackwhen the turntable is rotated such as to align the recess with the maintransport line, and for diverting the second rack to a bypass transportline when the turntable is rotated in the direction of the bypasstransport line; a controller that executes machine readable instructionsto control transport of the first sample racks and/or the second sampleracks through the switch; and a rack size sensor operably coupled to thecontroller, the rack size sensor detects rack sizes and provides racksize specific sensor signals indicative of the rack sizes, wherein thecontroller executes the machine readable instructions to operate thediverting of second sample racks based upon the rack size specificsensor signals.
 2. A junction for transporting sample racks in ananalytical system having one or more work cells for processing samples,the junction comprising: a main transport line that transports firstsample racks and second sample racks or only second sample racks,wherein the first sample racks have a bigger rack size than the secondsample racks with respect to transporting direction of the maintransport line; at least one turntable coupled to the main transportline and comprising a rotatable transport line that allows transport ofthe first sample racks and/or the second sample racks when aligned withthe main transport line; and at least one bypass transport lineconnected to the main transport line such as to bypass the at least oneturntable, and wherein the at least one turntable comprises at least onerecess that can be aligned with the main transport line for receivingand diverts the second sample rack from the recess to the bypasstransport line when the turntable rotates in direction of the bypasstransport line or vice versa; a controller operably coupled to thejunction, the controller executes machine readable instructions tocontrol transport of the first sample racks and/or the second sampleracks through the junction; and a rack size sensor operably coupled tothe controller, the rack size sensor detects rack sizes and providesrack size specific sensor signals indicative of the rack sizes, whereinthe controller executes the machine readable instructions to operate thediverting of second sample racks based upon the rack size specificsensor signals.
 3. A junction according to claim 2, further comprising,a second main transport line or an auxiliary line connected to thebypass line.
 4. A transport system, the system comprising: an automatedsample rack transport device, the automated sample rack transport devicecomprising, one or more junctions, wherein each of the junctionscomprises, a main transport line that transports first sample racks andsecond sample racks or only second sample racks, wherein the firstsample racks have a bigger rack size than the second sample racks withrespect to transporting direction of the main transport line; at leastone turntable coupled to the main transport line and comprising arotatable transport line that allows transport of the first sample racksand/or the second sample racks when aligned with the main transport line; and at least one bypass transport line connected to the main transportline such as to bypass the at least one turntable, and wherein the atleast one turntable comprises at least one recess that can be alignedwith the main transport line upon rotation of the turntable; and acontroller that executes machine readable instructions to controltransport of the first sample racks and/or the second sample racksthrough the one or more junctions such that: a turntable is rotated toalign the rotatable transport line with the main transport line andallows transport of the first sample racks and/or the second sampleracks along the main transport line through the turntable; or aturntable is rotated to align the recess with the main transport lineand receive a second sample rack and diverts the second sample rack fromthe main transport line to the bypass transport line or vice versa,wherein the controller is operably coupled to a rack size sensor thatdetects rack sizes and provides rack size specific sensor signalsindicative of the rack sizes, and the controller executes the machinereadable instructions to operate the automated diverting of secondsample racks based upon the rack size specific sensor signals.
 5. Thetransport system according to claim 4, wherein the automated sample racktransport device further comprises, an auxiliary transport lineconnected to the main transport line; an inlet bypass transport lineconnected to the main transport line and/or the auxiliary transportline; and an inlet junction and an outlet junction, the inlet junctioncomprising an inlet turntable to divert second sample racks from themain transport line to the auxiliary transport line via the inlet bypasstransport line and the outlet junction comprising an outlet turntable todivert second sample racks out of the auxiliary transport line.
 6. Thetransport system according to claim 4, further comprising, one or morework cells for processing samples, wherein the automated transportdevice transports the first sample racks and/or the second sample racksbetween the work cells.
 7. The transport system according to claim 6,wherein at least one work cell is operably coupled with an auxiliarytransport line connected to the main transport line for processingsecond sample racks transported by the auxiliary transport line.